I’m not fan of black alternate uniforms, or any other color that isn’t a school color. And I think the whole “black out” thing for Thursday night college football games has become something of an overdone cliché.

But then, I’m a “get off my lawn” old guy.

As you can see from the reaction of East Carolina’s players in the above video clip when they found out that they’d be wearing black for tonight’s nationally televised game against Florida Atlantic, it’s obvious that young people get pretty excited about the fashion statement.

Ruffin McNeill is excited about his team’s reaction to its new black uniforms

Since they’re the ones out on the field actually doing the playing, more power to them.

Here’s what ECU coach Ruffin McNeill had to say about the subject:

“What excites me, and I always mention this, is our kids. They were excited about it. The coaches were, we held it from them, and they didn’t know anything about it until last night. I’m excited because the kids are excited. I’m excited because of the recruits and everybody else involved. For the kids in recruitment it’s awesome.

“We told the team last night that this is not a one-night wonder. It’s going to be a combination. We’ll still have white-on-white, purple-on-purple, purple-on-white, that is still part of our mix. But, now we’re able to have some different match combinations. There will be combinations that we can blend. I told our kids (Sunday) night, ‘the uniforms are fantastic. I love them.’”

As much excitement was the new uniforms have generated among the Pirates, McNeill was sure to remind his players that they won’t help them run faster, hit harder or score more touchdowns once the initial adrenaline wears off and the game begins.

“The excitement is great, but it starts from them first, what’s inside,” McNeill said. “The person that puts the uniform on is more important. I love the uniform. But making sure the kids understand how we practice and how we prepare and when our fans are cheering, they’re cheering for that Pirate that’s inside that uniform.”

Tonight’s game will mark the first ever meeting between ECU and FAU. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. with television coverage provided by the new Fox Sports 1 network.